San Jose Earthquakes to face Real Salt Lake in 2013 MLS home opener

The Earthquakes will play host to Real Salt Lake in the 2013 home opener March 3 marking the third time in four years the Western Conference rivals will meet on opening weekend.

Major League Soccer announced its kickoff schedule Tuesday that features nine games March 2-3. Times and broadcast information for the match at Buck Shaw Stadium will be announced later.

The Quakes also will be featured in the Columbus Crew's home opener March 16. MLS will unveil its full schedule in the coming month.

San Jose and Salt Lake finished first and second in the Western Conference last season. The Quakes (19-6-9) earned the club's second Supporters' Shield with a league-best 66 points. Real (17-11-6) had 57 points but lost all three games to San Jose.

Earthquakes' season ticket holders will be able to buy additional tickets for the opener starting Jan. 7. The public can start buying tickets for the game Jan. 11. For information: 408-556-7700 or www.sjearthquakes.com.

The Portland Timbers won the lottery for the rights to teenage defender Mobi Fehr. The Earthquakes had only a 1.4 percent chance to acquire the player.